Active enclosure for computing device

ABSTRACT

A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/075,520, filed on Feb. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,113,196 andentitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE”; whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/298,364, filed onJun. 15, 2001 and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE”; andwhich claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/315,571,filed on Aug. 28, 2001 and entitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMICORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE”, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

This application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/075,964 filed on Feb. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,098 andentitled ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/298,364, filed on Jun. 15, 2001 andentitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE”; and which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/315,571, filed on Aug.28, 2001 and entitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTALAPPEARANCE”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to the following U.S. patentapplications, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,915, filed on Sep. 3, 1999 andentitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE”

U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,887, filed on Oct. 25, 1999 and entitled “HOUSINGFOR A COMPUTING DEVICE”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a computing device. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to improved features forchanging the appearance of a computing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Most computing devices, including portable computers and desktopcomputers, give feedback to its user via a display screen or speakers.As is generally well known, display screens are used to display textualor graphical information to a user and speakers are used to output soundto the user. For example, display screens may be used to display agraphical user interface (GUI) and speakers may be used to output musicor audio messages. Computing devices also give feedback to users viasmall indicators positioned on the computing device. By way of example,some indicators use light to indicate that a computing device (or thedisplay screen of the computing device) is turned on/off or that a diskdrive is reading or writing data to a disk. Although displays, speakersand indicators work well, they are limited to the type of feedback theygive a user. For example, while playing a movie with a DVD drive of acomputing device, the display screen only outputs the video associatedwith the movie, the speaker only outputs the audio associated with themovie, and the indicator only indicates that a movie is playing the DVDdrive. Thus, it would be desirable to provide additional feedback to auser.

Computing devices also have housings that enclose the components andcircuitry associated with operating the computing devices. Housingsgenerally serve to shield and protect the components and circuitry fromadverse conditions such as impact and dust. In some cases, the housingsare configured to surround all the components of the computing devicewhile in other cases the housings are configured to surround individualor a subset of components. For example, a housing may be used to enclosethe central processing unit (CPU), display screen, disk drive, andspeaker to form a single unit. As another example, a plurality ofdifferent housings may be used to individually enclose the CPU, displayscreen, disk drive and speakers to form a plurality of individual units.

As is generally well known, housings for computing devices in particularproduct lines are typically manufactured with the same appearance, i.e.,they look the same. For example, housings from a particular product linemay have the same box-like shape and/or the same neutral color. This canbe discouraging to computer users who desire computers that are morepersonalized or to computer users who desire computers that aredifferent than another user's computer. Recently, manufacturers haveattempted to remedy this problem by offering brightly colored ortranslucent housings for computing devices. For example, some computerand telephone manufacturers now sell a variety of housings, which havedifferent colors and patterns. By way of example, the iMAC® computer,which is produced by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif., is availablein various colors and patterns.

Although these recent advances make substantial inroads to overcomingthe same old appearance, the housings for the computing device remainpassive structures that exhibit a non-adaptable or non-changingappearance. That is, a colored or patterned housing has a single coloror pattern associated therewith that does not change overtime.

External lights have been used in some devices associated withdisplaying video to enhance the viewing experience of the video.Unfortunately, however, none of the external lights have been capable ofchanging the visual appearance of the device housing. That is, theexternal lights are typically located outside the periphery of thehousing and are typically arranged to alter the environment in which thevideo is shown rather than the device housing itself (the appearance ofthe housing remains the same even with the use of lights).

Thus, there is a need for improvements in appearances of housings forcomputing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to electronic devices capable of dynamicallychanging their ornamental or decorative appearance.

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a computer system. Thecomputer system includes a microprocessor configured to controloperation of the computer system. The microprocessor produces orreceives monitored events while controlling operation of the computersystem. The computer system further includes a data storage device. Thecomputer system additionally includes a light system configured toprovide a dynamic light effect based on the monitored events. Thecomputer system also includes a housing containing the microprocessor,the data storage device, and the light system. The light system providesthe housing with a dynamic ornamental appearance.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method forilluminating a housing of a general purpose computer system. The methodincludes monitoring computer system events. The method further includesilluminating at least a non-insignificant portion of the housing of thegeneral purpose computer system in accordance with the computer systemevents.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method forilluminating a housing of a computing device, the computing devicehaving a screen display. The method includes sampling a plurality ofregions on the screen display to acquire color indicators for theplurality of regions. The method further includes illuminating aplurality of regions of the housing of the computing device based on thecolor indicators.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method forilluminating a housing of a computing device having a screen display.The method includes determining acquire color indicators for a pluralityof regions on the screen display. The method further includesilluminating a plurality of zones of the housing of the computing devicebased on the color indicators.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method for method forilluminating a housing of a computing system having a screen display.The method includes sampling regions of the screen display to acquirecolor indicators. The method further includes associating the colorindicators acquired to a plurality of illuminable regions of the housingof the computing system. The method also includes driving at least onelight element at the illuminable regions of the housing in accordancewith the color indicators mapped thereto, thereby illuminating theregions of the housing.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method forcontrolling light elements provided internal to a housing for computersystem hardware. The method includes monitoring the computer systemcomponents to obtain status information. The method further includesdetermining illumination characteristics for the housing based on thestatus information and predetermined configuration information. Themethod additionally includes determining driving signals for the lightelements in accordance with the illumination characteristics. The methodalso includes controlling the light elements using the driving signals.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a computer systemhaving a computer device including a computer component for performingan operation associated with the computer system, and an illuminablehousing. The computer system includes an event monitor configured totrack a computer event associated with the computer system. The computersystem further includes a light effect manager operatively coupled tothe event monitor. The light effect manager is configured to generatelight control signals when the computer event is executed by thecomputer system. The computer system also includes a light arrangementoperatively coupled to the light effect manager and disposed in thehousing. The light arrangement is configured to illuminate theilluminable housing so as to dynamically change the ornamentalappearance of the housing in accordance with the light control signalsassociated with the computer event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an electronic device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a LED array, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 14A-B is a graphical illustration showing color mixing via the LEDarray of FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 17 A-C are broken away top views, in cross section, of a wall of acomputer, in accordance with several embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 A-D are broken away top views, in cross section, of a wall of acomputer, in accordance with several embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a computer having a light reflecting system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a broken away diagram of a general purpose computer, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a simplified diagram of a computer network, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of illumination processing, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 37A-37F are perspective diagrams of a monitor presenting asequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 38A-38B are simplified diagrams of a monitor presenting asequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 39A-39B are simplified diagrams of a monitor presenting asequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to electronic devices capable of changing theirornamental or decorative appearance, i.e., the outer appearance as seenby a user. The electronic devices generally include an illuminablehousing. The illuminable housing, which includes at least one wallconfigured for the passage of light, is configured to enclose, cover andprotect a light arrangement as well as functional components of theelectronic device. For example, in the case of a desktop computer, thefunctional components may include a processor for executing instructionsand carrying out operations associated with the computer, and in thecase of a display monitor, the functional components may include adisplay for presenting text or graphics to a user. The lightarrangement, which generally includes one or more light sources, isconfigured to produce light for transmission through the light passingwall (or walls) of the illuminable housing. As should be appreciated,the transmitted light illuminates the wall (s) thus giving the wall anew appearance, i.e., the color, pattern, behavior, brightness and/orthe like. That is, the transmitted light effectively alters theornamental or decorative appearance of the electronic device. By way ofexample, a light source capable of producing green light may cause thelight passing wall to exude green.

In most cases, the light is controlled so as to produce a light effecthaving specific characteristics or attributes. As such, the electronicdevice may be configured to provide additional feedback to the user ofthe electronic device and to give users the ability to personalize orchange the look of their electronic device on an on-going basis. Thatis, a housing of the electronic device is active rather than passive,i.e., the housing has the ability to adapt and change. For example, thelight may be used to exhibit a housing behavior that reflects thedesires or moods of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for theelectronic device, or that reacts to tasks or events associated withoperation of the electronic device.

It is contemplated that the present invention may be adapted for any ofa number of suitable and known consumer electronic products that performuseful functions via electronic components. By way of example, theconsumer electronic products may relate to computing devices and systemsthat process, send, retrieve and/or store data. The computing devicesand systems may generally relate to desktop computers (both segmentedand all-in-one machines) that sit on desks, floors or other surfaces,portable computers that can be easily transported by a user, or handheldcomputing devices. By way of example, portable computers include laptopcomputers, and handheld computing devices include personal digitalassistants (PDAs) and mobile phones.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-39. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device 10, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. The word “chameleonic”refers to the fact that the electronic device 10 has the ability toalter its visual appearance. The chameleonic electronic device 10generally includes a housing 12 configured to form an externalprotective covering of the chameleonic electronic device 10 and a lightsystem 14 configured to adjust the illuminance or pigmentation of thehousing 12. The housing 12 of the chameleonic electronic device 10surrounds and protects internal components 18 disposed therein. Theinternal components 18 may be a plurality of electrical components thatprovide specific functions for the chameleonic electronic device 10. Forexample, the internal electrical components 18 may include devices forgenerating, transmitting and receiving data associated with operatingthe electronic device. In one embodiment, the chameleonic electronicdevice is a component of a computer system, as for example, a generalpurpose computer. As such, the internal electrical components mayinclude a processor, memory, controllers, I/O devices, displays and/orthe like.

The chameleonic electronic device 10 is configured to change its visualappearance via light. That is, the housing 12 is configured to allow thepassage of light and the light system 14 is configured to produce lightfor transmission through the housing 12. In one embodiment, the lightsystem 14 includes a light arrangement (not shown). The lightarrangement, which is disposed inside the housing 12 and which includesat least one light source, is configured to emit light 20 incident onthe inner surface of the housing 12. As should be appreciated, light 22that is transmitted through the wall of the housing 12 changes the lookof the housing 12 and thus the visual appearance of the chameleonicelectronic device 10. By way of example, the light 20 may cause thehousing 12 to exude a specific brightness such as intense or dull light,a specific color such as green, red or blue, a specific pattern such asa rainbow or dots, or a changing behavior such as a strobe effect orfading in/out.

In some cases, the light system 14 is arranged to cooperate with theelectrical components 18. For example, events associated with theelectrical components 14 may be monitored, and the light system 14 maybe controlled based on the monitored events. As such, an illuminationeffect corresponding to a specific event may be produced. For example,the housing 12 may be configured to exude a blinking red coloration whenan event has been implemented. Although the light system 14 maycooperate with the electrical components 18, it should be understoodthat the electrical components 18 and the light system 14 are distinctdevices serving different functions. That is, the electrical components18 are generally configured to perform functions relating to operatingthe chameleonic electronic device 10, and the light system 14 isgenerally configured to change the appearance of the housing 12 thereof.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing 30, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. The computerillumination processing 30 is performed by a computer (or computersystem) to provide the computer with an illumination effect, as forexample, the illumination of a housing relating to the computer. Theillumination effect for the housing is provided by a light system.Typically, the light system is internal to the housing beingilluminated. In one embodiment, the computer corresponds to a generalpurpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Applecompatible computer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computermay include different models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, orTitanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. ofCupertino, Calif.

The computer illumination processing 30 begins at block 32 where eventsassociated with a computer are monitored. In one embodiment, the eventsbeing monitored are identified by an operating system or amicroprocessor utilized within the computer. The events can take manyforms such as operating system events or microprocessor events. By wayof example, the events may relate to signals, conditions or status ofthe computer.

Following block 32, the process proceeds to block 34 where a lightsystem, associated with the computer, is controlled 34 based on themonitored events to provide a housing, also associated with thecomputer, with an ornamental appearance. In other words, the computerillumination processing 30 operates to provide the housing of thecomputer with a dynamic ornamental appearance that varies in accordancewith the monitored events of the computer. By way of example, thehousing and light system may generally correspond to the housing andlight system described in FIG. 1. After the light system is controlledat block 34, the computer illumination processing 30 is complete andends. It should be noted, however, that the processing can be repeatedlyperformed or performed whenever a new event occurs.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing 40, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention. The computerillumination processing 40 is performed by a computer system (orcomputer) to provide the computer system with an illumination effect, asfor example, the illumination of a housing associated with the computersystem. The illumination effect for the housing is provided by a lightsystem. Typically, the light system is internal to the housing beingilluminated. In one embodiment, the computer system corresponds to ageneral purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Applecompatible computer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computermay include different models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, orTitanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. ofCupertino, Calif.

The computer illumination processing 40 generally begins at block 42where computer system hardware and software is monitored. Here, one ormore devices, units or systems associated with the computer system canbe monitored. By way of example, the devices or systems being monitoredcan include one or more of a microprocessor, an operating system, anapplication or utility program, or input/output (I/O) devices. Afterblock 42, the process proceeds to block 44 where status informationassociated with the devices, units or systems is obtained from themonitoring. By way of example, status information may correspond to I/Oconnectivity status, wireless connectivity status, network connectivitystatus, processor status (e.g., sleep, shutdown), program status (e.g.,errors, alerts, awaiting inputs, received new mail, loading), remotestatus (e.g., retrieving information from the internet), and/or thelike.

After block 44, the process proceeds to block 46 where illuminationcharacteristics are determined. Illumination characteristics generallyrefer to how a housing associated with the computer is illuminated toproduce an ornamental appearance. The illumination characteristics aregenerally based on the status information and predeterminedconfiguration information. In one embodiment, the predeterminedconfiguration information identifies a type and nature of theillumination (e.g., which lights are operated, how long the lightsources are operated, what color the light source output, etc.) that isto be provided for a specific status information. By way of example, ablinking red coloration may be identified when a program status such asan error is monitored.

In one embodiment, the predetermined configuration information is storedin a database. Thus, the computer consults the information held in thedatabase in order to determine the illumination characteristics for aspecific event. The predetermined configuration information stored inthe database may be accessed by a user through a light control menu,which may be viewed on a display screen as part of a GUI interface. Thelight control menu may include light control settings pertaining to oneor more events of the computer. In fact, the light control menu mayserve as a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the lightcontrol settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review thelight control settings and make changes thereto. Once the user saves thechanges, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., aspredetermined configuration information) to handle future eventstransmitted and/or received through the computer.

After the illumination characteristics have been determined, the processproceeds to block 48 where driving signals for light elements associatedwith the light system are determined in accordance with the illuminationcharacteristics. Typically, the light elements are arranged within aportion of the computer system. For example, the light elements could bearranged within a primary housing of the computer system. In anotherembodiment, the light elements could be arranged within a housing for aperipheral device associated with the computer system. After the drivingsignals are determined, the process proceeds to block 50 where thedriving signals are used to control the light elements. For example, thedriving signals may actuate one or more of the light elements so as toemit light incident on an inner surface of a housing. Once the drivesignals control the light elements, the ornamental appearance of thehousing is thus altered. Typically, the housing has one or more portionsthat are configured for allowing the passage of light, thereby causingthe light to be transmitted therethrough which effectuates theornamental appearance of the housing.

After using the driving signals, the process proceeds to block 52 wherea decision is made as to whether the computer illumination processing 40should end. When the decision 52 determines that the computerillumination processing 40 should not end, the computer illuminationprocessing 40 returns to repeat the operation 42 and subsequentoperations so that the illumination characteristics can be continuouslyupdated in accordance with the status information. On the other hand,when the decision 52 determines that the computer illuminationprocessing 40 should end, the computer illumination processing 40 iscomplete and ends. In general, the computer illumination processing 40can be repeatedly performed or performed in an event driven manner.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device 60, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputing device 60 may correspond to the chameleonic electronic device10 shown in FIG. 1. The computing device 60 generally includes a varietyof computer components 62, which as an example may correspond to theelectrical components 18 in FIG. 1. The computer components 62 aregenerally configured to process, retrieve and store data associated withthe computing device 60. By way of example, the computer components 62may include a CPU (central processing unit), I/O controllers, displaycontrollers, memory and the like. The computer components may alsoinclude operating systems, utility programs, application programs and/orthe like.

The computing device 60 also includes an event monitor 64 operativelycoupled to the computer components 62. The event monitor 64 isconfigured to track specific data through the computer components. Forexample, the event monitor 64 may be configured to track input data 66and/or output data 68. Although shown outside the computer components,the input data and output data may correspond to internal inputs andoutputs generated between individual parts of the computer components aswell as to external inputs and outputs generated outside the computercomponents. By way of example, interior inputs/outputs may relate todata that is passed between a CPU and an I/O controller, and exteriorinputs/outputs may relate to data that is passed between an I/Ocontroller and an I/O device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer and thelike. In one embodiment, the event monitor is part of the functionalityprovided by the computer components. For example, the event monitor maybe included in the CPU. In another embodiment, the event monitorprovides functionality independent of the computer components. Forexample, the event monitor may be a separate processor chip that isconnected to a chip housing the CPU.

The computing device 60 also includes a light effect manager 70operatively coupled to the event monitor 64. The light effect manager 70is configured to direct light control signals to a light arrangement 72,and more particularly to a plurality of light elements 74 disposedinside a housing. The light control signals are generally based on theevents tracked by the event monitor 64. That is, as events are processedby the computer components 62, the light effect manager 70 directs lightcontrol signals to the light elements 74. The light control signalscarry illumination characteristics pertaining to the desired lighteffect that each of the light elements is to provide at the housing.That is, the light control signals sent to each of the light elementsmay cause the light elements to emit the same light effect (e.g., allemitting green light at the same intensity) or a different light effect(e.g., one element emitting green light while another emits blue light).These light elements 74 work together to produce a light effect thatdynamically changes the ornamental appearance of the housing.

In one embodiment, the light effect manger 70 is configured to determineillumination characteristics based on the specific events (or data)monitored and the corresponding predetermined configuration information.As explained earlier, predetermined configuration information relates toinformation that is selected by a user and stored. In one embodiment,the light effect manager 70 is part of the functionality provided by thecomputer components 62. For example, the light effect manager 70 may beincluded in the processor chip of the computing device 60 that alsoincludes the CPU. In another embodiment, the light effect manager 70provides functionality independent of the computer components. Forexample, the light effect manager 70 may be a separate processor chipthat is connected to a separate chip housing the CPU.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system 100, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computersystem 100 may correspond to the electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1.The computing system 100 generally includes a processor 102 (e.g., CPUor microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and to carry outoperations associated with the computer system 100. By way of example,the processor 102 may execute instructions under the control of anoperating system or other software.

The computing system 100 also includes an input/output (I/O) controller104 that is operatively coupled to the processor 102. The I/O controller104 is generally configured to control interactions with one or more I/Odevices 106 that can be coupled to the computing system 100. The I/Ocontroller 104 generally operates by exchanging data between thecomputing system 100 and the I/O devices 106 that desire to communicatewith the computing system 100. In some cases, the I/O devices 106 may beconnected to the I/O controller 104 through wired connections such asthrough wires or cables. In other cases, the I/O devices 106 may beconnected to the I/O controller 104 through wireless connections. By wayof example, the I/O devices 106 may be internal or peripheral devicessuch as memory, disk drives, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners,speakers, video cameras, MP3 players and the like. The I/O devices 106may also be network-related devices such as network cards or modems.

The computing system 100 additionally includes a display controller 108that that is operatively coupled to the processor 102. The displaycontroller 108 is configured to process display commands to produce textand graphics on a display device 110. By way of example, the display 110may be a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display,enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA)display, super VGA display, liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode raytube (CRT), plasma displays and the like.

The computing system 100 further includes a light source controller 112that is operatively coupled to the processor 102. The light sourcecontroller 112 generally provides processing of light commands from theprocessor 102 to produce light 116 in a controlled manner via a lightsource 114. By way of example, the light source 114 may be one or morelight emitting diodes (LED), light emitting semiconductor dies, lasers,incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, neon tubes, liquidcrystal displays (LCD), and the like, that are arranged to produce lightand more particularly colored light.

The light source 114 is generally disposed inside an enclosure 120 thatcovers and protects some aspect of the computing system 100. Moreparticularly, the enclosure 120 can cover and protect one or morecomputer components having functionality used in the operation of thecomputing system 100. By way of example, the enclosure 120 may beconfigured to cover one or more of the components described above. Theenclosure 120 generally includes a wall 122 that is configured fortransmitting light therethrough. As such, at least a portion of thelight 116, which is made incident on the wall 122 via the light source114, passes through the wall 122, thereby producing a light effect 124that alters the visual appearance of the enclosure 120 and thus thevisual appearance of the computing system 100.

Light effects are generally defined as the way in which the light 116,produced by the light source 114 and controlled by the light sourcecontroller 112, acts or influences the enclosure 120. Metaphoricallyspeaking, the enclosure is the canvas, the light is the paint, and thelight effect is the painting. Accordingly, in some cases, the lighteffect is arranged to cover the entire wall 122 while in other cases,the light effect is arranged to cover only a portion of the wall 122.

Light effects may be categorized as static (non-changing over time) ordynamic (changing over time). By way of example, static light effectsmay cause the enclosure to continuously exude a fixed color such asblue, a fixed shade of a color such as light blue, a fixed pattern orartistic design such as rainbow, stripes, dots, flowers and the like, ora fixed orientation such as a color or pattern located in a specificregion of the enclosure. In addition, dynamic light effects may causethe enclosure to exude different colors, intensities or patterns atdifferent times and in different orientations. That is, the coloration,intensities, patterns and position thereof may vary. For example,dynamic light effects may include light effects that change at leastpartially from a first color, intensity or pattern to a second color,intensity or pattern (e.g., from red to blue to light blue to rainbow,blinking on and off or fading in and out), that change regionally aroundthe enclosure (e.g., moving from a first side to a second side of theenclosure, moving from center to outer, moving around the enclosure in acontinuous fashion, a pattern that starts at a certain point on theenclosure and radiates out, etc.), or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, computer illumination processing may be performed bythe computer system when events associated with the computer systemoccur in or outside the system. The illumination processing generallyprovides the computer system with an illumination effect, as forexample, the illumination of a housing associated with the computersystem. In general, illumination processing includes monitoring eventsassociated with the computer system (e.g., software or hardware) andcontrolling the light source based on the monitored events so as toprovide a housing associated with the computer system with an ornamentalappearance corresponding to the monitored event. The events beingmonitored are generally identified by an operating system or amicroprocessor utilized within the computer system. The events can takemany forms such as operating system events or microprocessor events. Byway of example, the events may relate to signals, conditions or statusof the computer system.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the computer system may include othercomponents such as buses, bridges, connectors, wires, memory, and thelike. As is generally well known, buses provide a path for data totravel between components of the computer system 100. In addition,bridges serve to perform adjustments necessary to bridge communicationbetween different buses, i.e., various buses follow different standards.Further, memory provides a place to hold data that is being used by thecomputer system. By way of example, memory may be a Read-Only Memory(ROM) or a Random-Access Memory (RAM). RAM typically provides temporarydata storage for use by at least the processor 102, and ROM typicallystores programming instructions for use with the processor 102.

In one embodiment, the illumination characteristics of the light systemthat produce the light effects may be determined by predeterminedconfiguration information stored in a database, i.e., the computersystem consults the information held in the database in order todetermine the illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristicsgenerally refer to how a housing associated with the computer isilluminated to produce an ornamental appearance (e.g., which lights areoperated, how long the light sources are operated, what color the lightsource output, etc.). The predetermined configuration information storedin the database may be accessed by a user through a light control menu,which may be viewed on a display screen as part of a GUI interface. Thelight control menu may include light control settings pertaining to theillumination characteristics. In fact, the light control menu may serveas a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the light controlsettings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review the lightcontrol settings and make changes thereto. Once the user saves thechanges, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., aspredetermined configuration information) to handle future illuminationprocessing.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, the placement of the enclosure 120 relativeto the components described above will be described in greater detail.In one embodiment, the enclosure 120 is configured to cover the entirecomputer system described above. For example, in FIG. 6, the enclosure120 is configured to cover the processor 102, the I/O controller 104,the I/O device 106, the display controller 108, the display 110, thelight controller 112 and the light source 114.

In another embodiment, the enclosure 120 is configured to cover only aportion of the computer system described above. For example, in FIG. 7,the illuminable enclosure 120 is configured to cover the processor 102,the I/O controller 104, the display controller 108, the light controller112 and the light source 114. In FIG. 8, the illuminable enclosure 120is configured to cover the display 110 and the light source 114. In FIG.9, the illuminable enclosure 120 is configured to cover a peripheral I/Odevice (e.g., the I/O device 106) and the light source 114.

In yet another embodiment, the enclosure 120 can represent a pluralityof enclosures that are configured to separately cover individual or setsof components of the computer system 100 described above. For example,in FIG. 10, a first enclosure 120A is configured to cover the processor102, the I/O controller 104, an internal I/O device 1061, the displaycontroller 108, the light controller 112 and a first light source 114A.In addition, a second enclosure 120B is configured to cover the display110 and a second light source 114B. A third enclosure 120C is configuredto cover a peripheral I/O device 106P and a third light source 114C. Itshould be understood that FIGS. 7-10 are representative embodiments andthus not limitations, thus it should be recognized that otherconfigurations of the enclosure(s) may be used.

In one embodiment, the computer system corresponds to a general purposecomputer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatiblecomputer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computer may includedifferent models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titaniummodels, which are manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino,Calif.

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a general purpose computer 130, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, thegeneral purpose computer 130 may correspond to the computer system 100shown in FIG. 7 or 8. The computer 130 generally includes a base 132 anda monitor 134 (or display) operatively coupled to the base 132. In theillustrated embodiment, the base 132 and monitor 134 are separatecomponents, i.e., they each have their own housing. That is, the base132 includes a base housing 138 and the monitor 134 includes a monitorhousing 139. Both housings are configured to enclose various internalcomponents associated with operation of the respective devices. Ingeneral, the housings 138, 139 serve to surround their internalcomponents at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protecttheir internal components from adverse conditions.

With regards to the base 132, the internal components may be processors,controllers, bridges, memory and the like. Often these internalcomponents take the format of integrated circuits; however, the internalcomponents can take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables,fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). The internalcomponents may also be various I/O devices such as a hard drive, a diskdrive, a modem and the like. The base 132 may also include a pluralityof I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such asa mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a scanner, speakers and the like. In theillustrated embodiment, the base housing 138 serves to surround at leasta processor and a controller. By way of example, the controller may bean input/output (I/O) controller, a display controller, a light sourcecontroller and/or the like. With regards to the monitor 134, theinternal components may be a display screen. As is generally well known,the display screen is used to display the graphical user interface(including perhaps a pointer or cursor) as well as other information toa user.

In most cases, the housings 138, 139 include one or more walls 142, 143,respectively, that serve to structurally support the internal componentsin their assembled position within the housings. The walls 142, 143 alsodefine the shape or form of the housings, i.e., the contour of the wallsembody the outward physical appearance of the housings. The contour maybe rectilinear, curvilinear or both. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase housing 138 includes six (6) rectangular and planar walls that forma box-shaped housing. It should be understood, however, that this is nota limitation and that the form and shape of the housings may varyaccording to the specific needs or design of each computer system. Byway of example, the housing may be formed in simple shapes such as acube, a cylinder, a pyramid, a cone, or a sphere, or in complex shapessuch as a combination of simple shapes or an object such as an apple, ahouse, a car or the like.

In one embodiment, the base housing 138 includes at least one lightpassing wall configured to allow the passage of light. In most cases,the light passing wall constitutes a significant percentage area of thehousing. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing 138 isilluminable and thus all six of the rectangular and planar walls 142 areconfigured to allow the passage of light. It should be noted, however,that this is not a limitation and that the amount of light passing wallsmay vary according to the specific needs of each computer system. Forexample, the housing may include any number of opaque walls and lightpassing walls. Still further, a light passing wall needed not pass lightover its entire surface. In other words, only a non-trivial portion of awall needs to pass light to be considered a light passing wall. Thelight passing walls are generally formed from a translucent orsemi-translucent medium such as, for example, a clear and/or frostedplastic material.

For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 142 has been removed toshow a light source 140A disposed inside the housing 138. The lightsource 140A is configured to generate light 144A so as to illuminate theinterior of the housing 138, and more particularly the interior of thelight passing walls 142. The light 144A, which is made incident on theinterior of the walls 142 by the light source 140A, is therebytransmitted through the walls 142 of the housing 138 to produce a lighteffect 146A that alters the visual appearance of the housing 138 andthus the visual appearance of the base 132. That is, the light 144Agenerated inside the housing 138 and passing through the walls 142effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing 138 as seen bya user when looking at the housing 138. By way of example, the lighteffect 146A may cause housing 138 to exude a fixed or varying color orpattern. Although a single light source 140A is shown in FIG. 5, itshould be noted that this is not a limitation and that a plurality oflight sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may bestrategically positioned within the housing 138 so as to illuminatespecific zones or regions of the housing 138.

In another embodiment, the monitor housing 139 includes at least onelight passing wall configured to allow the passage of light. In mostcases, the light passing wall constitutes a significant percentage areaof the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing 139 isilluminable and thus all of its walls 143 are configured to allow thepassage of light. It should be noted, however, that this is not alimitation and that the amount of light passing walls may vary accordingto the specific needs of each computer system. For example, the housingmay include any number of opaque walls and light passing walls. Stillfurther, a light passing wall needed not pass light over its entiresurface. In other words, only a non-trivial portion of a wall needs topass light to be considered a light passing wall. The light passingwalls are generally formed from a translucent or semi-translucent mediumsuch as, for example, a clear and/or frosted plastic material.

Again, for ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 143 has beenremoved to show a light source 140B disposed inside the housing 139. Thelight source 140B is configured to generate light 144B so as toilluminate the interior of the housing 139, and more particularly theinterior of the light passing walls 143. The light 144B, which is madeincident on the interior of the walls 143 by the light source 140B, isthereby transmitted through the walls 143 of the housing 139 to producea light effect 146B that alters the visual appearance of the housing 139and thus the visual appearance of the monitor 134. That is, the light144B generated inside the housing 139 and passing through the walls 143effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing 139 as seen bya user when looking at the housing 139. By way of example, the lighteffect 146B may cause housing 139 to exude a fixed or varying color orpattern. Although a single light source 140B is shown in FIG. 5, itshould be noted that this is not a limitation and that a plurality oflight sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may bestrategically positioned within the housing 139 so as to illuminatespecific zones or regions of the housing 139.

In one embodiment, a characteristic glow is produced at the outersurface of the walls 142, 143 when the light 144 is transmittedtherethrough. By characteristic glow, it is meant that the coloration ofthe walls 142, 143 emanates from the wall 142, 143 rather than from thelight source 140, i.e., the light is altered during transmission throughthe walls 142, 143. In most cases, the characteristic glow is producedby a light directing element disposed in or on the wall 142, 143. Thelight directing element is generally configured to scatter incidentlight by reflection and/or refraction. By way of example, the lightdirecting element may be a layer, coating or texture on the surface ofthe wall, or it may be an additive disposed inside the wall.

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of a general purpose computer 150, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention. By way of example,the general purpose computer 150 may correspond to the computer systemshown in FIG. 7 or 8. The general purpose computer 150 includes an allin one machine 151 that integrates the base and monitor of FIG. 9 into asingle housing 152. The housing 152 is generally configured to enclosevarious internal components associated with operation of the computer150. In general, the housing 152 serves to surround the internalcomponents at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect theinternal components from adverse conditions. In one embodiment, thehousing 152 includes a plurality of cases 164 that cooperate to form thehousing 152. Any number of cases may be used. In the illustratedembodiment, the cases 164 consist of a bottom case 164A, a top case 164Band a front case 164C.

The internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memoryand the like. Often these internal components take the format ofintegrated circuits; however, the internal components can take variousother forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies,batteries, capacitors, resistors). In the illustrated embodiment, thehousing 152 serves to surround at least a processor and a controller. Byway of example, the controller may be an input/output (I/O) controller,a display controller, a light source controller and/or the like. Theinternal components may also be various I/O devices such as a harddrive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. For example, as shown, thecomputer 150 may include a disk drive 166 and a display 168. The diskdrive 166 is used to store and retrieve data via a disk. The display 168is used to display the graphical user interface (including perhaps apointer or cursor) as well as other information to the user. The all inone machine 151 may also include a plurality of I/O connectors forallowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, aprinter, a scanner, speakers and the like. By way of example, thecomputer system 150 may include I/O port connectors for connection toperipheral components such as a keyboard 170 and a mouse 172. Thekeyboard 170 allows a user of the computer 150 to enter alphanumericdata. The mouse 172 allows a user to move an input pointer on agraphical user interface and to make selections on the graphical userinterface.

In most cases, the housing 152 includes one or more walls 156 that serveto structurally support the internal components in their assembledposition within the housing. The walls 156 also define the shape or formof the housing, i.e., the contour of the walls embody the outwardphysical appearance of the housing. The contour may be rectilinear,curvilinear or both.

In one embodiment, the housing 152 includes one or more light passingwalls having light passing portions, which are configured to allow thepassage of light. The light passing portions may be an edge of the wallor a surface of the wall. The light passing portions may constitute thean entire wall or a portion of a wall, i.e., a light passing wall neednot pass light over its entire surface. In other words, only anon-trivial portion of a wall needs to pass light to be considered alight passing wall. In most cases, the light passing portions constitutea significant percentage area of the light passing wall. For example,the amount of light passing area is generally determined by the amountof light needed to pass through the housing in order to effectivelychange the appearance of the housing so that a user feels differentlyabout the device (e.g., not an indicator). Any suitable arrangement oflight passing walls, light passing portions and opaque walls may be usedso long as the outward appearance of the system changes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 156′ provided by the top case164 are light passing walls, which are illuminated with light from alight source 154 disposed inside the housing 152. For ease ofdiscussion, a portion of the wall 156′ has been removed to show thelight source 154 disposed therein. The light source 154 is configured togenerate light 160 so as to illuminate the interior of the housing 152,and more particularly the interior of the wall 156′. In general, thelight 160, which is made incident on the wall 156′ by the light source154, is transmitted through the wall 156′ to produce a light effect 162that alters the visual appearance of the housing 152 and thus the visualappearance of the computer system 150. That is, the light 160 generatedinside the housing 152 and passing through the wall 156′ effectivelychanges the visual appearance of the housing 152 as seen by a user whenlooking at the housing 152.

The light source 154 is operatively coupled to a light source controller(not shown) that cooperates with the light source 154 to produce thelight 160. In general, the light source 154 provides the light 160 forilluminating the housing 152, and more particularly the wall 156, andthe light source controller provides processing of light commands toproduce the light in a controlled manner. In some implementations, thelight 160 is arranged to produce the light effect 162 at a surface 174of the wall 156. In other implementations, the light 160 is arranged toproduce the light effect 162 at an edge 176 of the wall 156. In yetother implementations, the light 160 is arranged to produce a lighteffect 162 at both the surface 174 and the edge 176 of the wall 156.

In one embodiment, a characteristic glow is produced at an outer surfaceof the light passing wall when the light is transmitted through thelight passing wall. By characteristic glow, it is meant that thecoloration of the wall emanates from the wall rather than from the lightsource, i.e., the light is altered during transmission through the wall.In most cases, the characteristic glow is produced by a light directingelement disposed in or on the wall. The light directing element isgenerally configured to scatter incident light by reflection and/orrefraction.

To elaborate further, according to one embodiment, the light source 154is generally configured to include at least one light emitting diode(LED). LED's offer many advantages over other light sources. Forexample, LED's are relatively small devices that are energy efficientand long lasting. LED's also run relatively cool and are low in cost.Furthermore, LED's come in various colors such as white, blue, green,red and the like. In most cases, the light source 154 includes aplurality of LED's that cooperate to produce the desired light effect.The plurality of LED's may be a plurality of individual LED's or aplurality of integrated LED arrays having a plurality of individualLED's that are grouped together.

In one embodiment, the individual LED's, whether by themselves orgrouped together in an array, are the same color. As such, the samecolored LED's can produce a light effect 162 that is one color or atleast one shade of one color. This typically can be done bysimultaneously maintaining the same light intensity for all of the LED'svia the light source controller. The same colored LED's can also producea light effect 162 that has a varying coloration. This typically can beaccomplished by simultaneously adjusting the light intensities for allof the LED's at the same time via the light source controller. By way ofexample, this can be done to produce a light effect that blinks or fadesin and out.

The same colored LED's can also produce a light effect that has apattern with a plurality of different shades of one color. This istypically accomplished by maintaining different light intensities fordifferent LED's via the light source controller. For example, LED'spositioned in a first spatial zone, i.e., a first area of theilluminable housing 152, can produce a first shade of color (a firstlight intensity) and LED's positioned in a second spatial zone, i.e., asecond area of the illuminable housing 152, can produce a second shadeof color (a second light intensity). By way of example, the spatiallyzoned LED's can produce a light effect having stripes, spots, quadrantsand the like. The same colored LED's can also produce a light effect 162that has a varying pattern. This is typically accomplished by activatingLED's at different times or by adjusting the intensities of LED's atdifferent times via the light source controller. For example, samecolored LED's positioned in a first spatial zone can produce a color ata first time and same colored LED's positioned in a second spatial zonecan produce a color at a second time. By way of example, the spatiallyzoned LED's can produce a light effect that alternates or moves betweendifferent zones.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the individual LED's,whether by themselves or grouped together in an array, are differentcolors. As such, the different colored LED's can produce a light effectthat is a particular color or at least a shade of a particular color.This typically can be accomplished by mixing different colors of lightto produce a resultant color of light via the light source controller.The different colored LED's can also produce a light effect 162 that hasa varying coloration. This typically can be accomplished by adjustingthe intensity of the different colored LED's via the light sourcecontroller. By way of example, this can be done to produce a lighteffect that changes from a first color to a second color (e.g., from theblue to green).

The different colored LED's can also produce a light effect 162 that hasa pattern with a plurality of colors. This typically can be accomplishedby activating different colored LED's or LED arrays, which are locatedat various locations about the computer system, via the light sourcecontroller. For example, LED's or LED arrays positioned in a firstspatial zone, i.e., a first area of the illuminable housing 152, canproduce a first color and LED's positioned in a second spatial zone,i.e., a second area of the illuminable housing 152, can produce a secondcolor. By way of example, the spatially zoned LED's can produce a lighteffect having rainbow stripes, different colored spots, differentcolored quadrants and the like. The different colored LED's can alsoproduce a light effect 162 that has a changing pattern. This istypically accomplished by activating different colored LED's atdifferent times or by adjusting the intensities of different coloredLED's at different times via the light source controller. The differentcolored LED's may be in the same spatial zone or a different spatialzone. For example, LED's positioned in a first spatial zone can producea first colored light at a first time and LED's positioned in a secondspatial zone can produce a second colored light at a second time. Thiscan be done in a specific sequence (e.g., red, blue, red, blue, red,blue . . . ) or a random sequence (e.g., green, yellow, red, yellow,blue . . . ).

FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram of an integrated LED array 180, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, theintegrated LED array 180 (or a plurality of LED arrays 180) maycorrespond to the light source 154 described in FIG. 11. The integratedLED array 180 generally includes a plurality of individual LED's 182that produce an overall light effect that is one color at a moment intime. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the individual LED's 182represents a different color, as for example, a red LED 182A, a greenLED 182B and a blue LED 182C, that cooperate to produce a resultantcolor C. It is generally believed that these three colors are theprimary colors of light and therefore they can be mixed to producealmost any color. That is, the resultant color C may be a wide range ofcolors, as for example, a majority of the colors from the colorspectrum. Although only one LED is shown for each color, it should benoted that this is not a requirement and that the number may varyaccording to the specific needs of each device.

To facilitate discussion, FIG. 14A is a three dimensional graphicalrepresentation showing color mixing with regards to the red, green andblue LED's (182A-C). As shown, red light produced by the red LED 182A isdesignated R, green light produced by the green LED 182B is designatedG, and blue light produced by the blue LED 182C is designated B.Furthermore, mixed light produced by the red and green LED's 182A&B isdesignated RG, mixed light produced by the green and blue LED's 182B&Cis designated GB, and mixed light produced by the blue and red LED's182A&C is designated BR. Moreover, mixed light produced by the red,green and blue LED's 182A-C is designated W (for white).

Referring now to FIG. 14B (a two dimensional graphical representationshowing color mixing with regards to the red, green and blue LED's182A-C) each of the colors has a range of intensities (I) between a peakintensity 192 and a zero intensity 194. As such, the light sourcecontroller can produced almost any color by adjusting the intensity (I)of each of the LED's (182A-C). By way of example, in order to producethe highest shade of red R, the intensities of the green G and blue Bare reduced to zero intensity 194 and the intensity of the red R isincreased to its peak intensity 192. The highest shades of green andblue can be implemented in a similar manner. In addition, in order toproduce a shade of red and green RG, the intensities of the green G andred R are increased to levels above zero intensity 194 while theintensity of blue B is reduced to zero intensity 194. Shades of greenand blue GB and blue and red BR can be implemented in a similar manner.Furthermore, in order to produce shades of white, the intensities of thered R, green G and blue B are increased to the same levels above zerointensity 194.

Although the integrated LED array 180 is shown and described as usingthe three primary colors, it should be noted that this is not alimitation and that other combinations may be used. For example, theintegrated LED array may be configured to include only two of theprimary colors.

FIG. 15 is a perspective diagram of a computer system 210, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputer system 210 may generally correspond to the computer 150 of FIG.12. The computer system 210 generally includes an illuminable housing212 that is illuminated with light from a light source 214 disposedtherein. The illuminable housing 212 generally includes a translucent orsemi-translucent wall 216 configured to allow the passage of light. Forease of discussion, a portion of the wall 216 has been removed to showthe light source 214 disposed therein. The light source 214 is generallyconfigured to generate light 218 so as to illuminate a surface of thewall 216 of the illuminable housing 212. That is, the light 218 emittedby the light source 214 is made incident on an inner surface 220 of thewall 216. The light 218 then passes through the wall 216 (width wise) toan outer surface 222 of the wall 216 where it produces a light effect224 that alters the visual appearance of the wall 216 and thus thevisual appearance of the computer system 210.

In one embodiment, a characteristic glow is produced at the outersurface 222 of the wall 216 when the light 218 is transmitted throughthe wall 216. By characteristic glow, it is meant that the coloration ofthe wall 216 emanates from the wall 216 rather than from the lightsource 214, i.e., the light 218 is altered during transmission throughthe wall 216. In most cases, the characteristic glow is produced by alight directing element disposed in or on the wall 216. The lightdirecting element is generally configured to scatter incident light byreflection and/or refraction.

To facilitate discussion, FIG. 16 is a top view, in cross section, ofthe computer system 210 shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source 214 consists ofa plurality of light emitting diodes 226 (LED's) that are disposed atvarious positions inside the illuminable housing 212. The LED's 226 maybe a single LED 226A or an LED array 226B. The LED's 226 may bepositioned in various directions so long as the light 218 is madeincident on the inner surface 220 of the wall 216. For example, the axisof the LED's 226 may be pointing directly at the inner surface 220 orthey may be pointing at an angle relative to the inner surface 220.Furthermore, the wall 216 is configured to transmit the light 218therethrough from the inner surface 220 to an outer surface 222. By wayof example, the wall 216 may be formed from a translucent orsemi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic and the like. Inmost cases, the wall 216 is also configured to scatter the transmittedlight to produce a characteristic glow 228 that emanates from the outersurface 222 of the wall 216. For instance, the wall 216 may include alight directing element 230 (shown by dotted line) that scatters thelight via reflection and/or refraction.

In one embodiment, the light directing element 230 is an additive thatis disposed inside the wall 216. Referring to FIG. 17A, for example, thewall 216 may include a plurality of light scattering particles 232(e.g., additives) dispersed between the inner surface 220 and outersurface 222 of the wall 216. As shown, when the light 218 is madeincident on the inner surface 220, it is transmitted through the wall216 until is intersects a light scattering particle 232 disposed insidethe wall 216. After intersecting the light scattering particle 232, thelight 218 is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions, i.e., thelight is reflected off the surface and/or refracted through the lightscattering particle thereby creating the characteristic glow 228. By wayof example, the light scattering particles 232 may be formed from smallglass particles or white pigments. Furthermore, by changing the amountof light scattering particles 232 disposed in the wall 216, thecharacteristics of the glow can be altered, i.e., the greater theparticles the greater the light scattering.

In another embodiment, the light directing element 230 is a layer,coating or texture that is applied to the inner or outer surface 220,222 of the wall 216. Referring to FIGS. 17B and 17C, for example, thewall 216 may include a light scattering coating 234 or a lightscattering texture 236 disposed on the inner surface 220 of the wall216. By way of example, the light scattering coating 234 may be a paint,film or spray coating. In addition, the light scattering texture 236 maybe a molded surface of the wall or a sandblasted surface of the wall. Asshown, when light 218 is made incident on the inner surface 220, itintersects the light scattering coating 234 or texture applied on theinner surface 220 of the wall 216. After intersecting the lightscattering coating 234 or the light scattering texture 236, the light218 is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions, i.e., the lightis reflected off the surface and/or refracted through the lightscattering particle thereby creating the characteristic glow 228.

Although not shown, in another embodiment, the thickness of the wall maybe altered so as to produce a light scattering effect. It is generallybelieved that the greater the thickness, the greater the lightscattering effect.

FIG. 18 is a perspective diagram of a computer system 240, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputer system 240 may generally correspond to the computer 150 of FIG.12. The desktop computer system 240 generally includes an illuminablehousing 242 that is illuminated with light from a light source 244disposed therein. The illuminable housing 242 generally includes atranslucent or semi-translucent wall 246 configured to allow the passageof light. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 246 has beenremoved to show the light source 244 disposed therein. The light source244 is generally configured to generate light 248 so as to illuminate anedge of the wall 246 of the illuminable housing 242. That is, the light248 emitted by the light source 244 is made incident on an inner edge250 of the wall 246. The light is then directed through the wall 246(length wise) to an outer edge 252 of the wall 246 where it produces alight effect 254 that alters the visual appearance of the wall 246 andthus the visual appearance of the computer system 240. In essence, thewall 246 acts like a light pipe that is configured for transferring ortransporting light. Light pipes are generally well known in the art.

To facilitate discussion, FIG. 19 is a top view, in cross section, ofthe computer system 240 shown in FIG. 14, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source 244 consists ofa plurality of light emitting diodes 256 (LED's) that are disposed atvarious positions inside the illuminable housing 242. The LED's 256 maybe a single LED or an LED array. The LED's 256 may be positioned invarious directions so long as the light 248 is made incident on theinner edge 250 of the wall 246. For example, the axis of the LED's 256may be pointing directly at the inner edge 250 or they may be pointingat an angle relative to the inner edge 250. Furthermore, the wall 246 isconfigured to transmit the light 248 therethrough from the inner edge250 to the outer edge 252 to produce the light effect 254 that emanatesfrom the outer edge 252 of the wall 246. By way of example, the wall 246may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such aspolycarbonate, acrylic and the like. In some cases, the wall 246 mayinclude light directing portions 258, 259 that cause the light toreflect back and forth until it exits the outer edge 252.

FIG. 20 is a perspective diagram of a computer system 260, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputer system 260 may generally correspond to the computers 150, 210and 240 of FIGS. 12, 15 and 18, respectively. The desktop computersystem 260 generally includes an illuminable housing 262 that isilluminated with light from a light source 264 disposed therein. Theilluminable housing 262 generally includes a translucent orsemi-translucent wall 266 configured to allow the passage of light. Forease of discussion, a portion of the wall 266 has been removed to showthe light source 264 disposed therein. The light source 264 is generallyconfigured to generate light 268 so as to illuminate both a surface andan edge of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. That is, thelight 268 emitted by the light source 264 is made incident on an innersurface 270 and/or an inner edge 272 of the wall 266. The light is thendirected through the wall 266 to an outer surface 274 and an outer edge276 of the wall 266 where it produces a light effect 278A and 278B thatalters the visual appearance of the wall 266 and thus the visualappearance of the computer system 260.

In one embodiment, the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is madeincident on both the inner edge 272 and inner surface 270 of the wall266 via a plurality of LED's or LED arrays. Referring to FIG. 21A, forexample, the light source 264 includes at least a first LED 279 and asecond LED 280. The first LED 279 is configured to generate a firstlight 282 so as to illuminate a surface of the wall 266 of theilluminable housing 262 and the second LED 280 is configured to generatea second light 284 so as to illuminate an edge of the wall 266 of theilluminable housing 262. With regards to the first LED 278, the firstlight 282 is first made incident on the inner surface 270 of the wall266 and then it is directed through the wall 266 (width wise) to theouter surface 274 of the wall 266 where it produces the light effect278A. With regards to the second LED 280, the second light 284 is firstmade incident on the inner edge 272 of the wall 266 and then it isdirected through the wall 266 (length wise) to an outer edge 276 of thewall 266 where it produces the light effect 278B. As should beappreciated, the light effect 278A alters the visual appearance of thesurface of the wall 266, while light effect 278B alters the visualappearance of the edge of the wall 266.

In another embodiment, the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 ismade incident on both the inner edge 272 and the inner surface 270 ofthe wall 266 via an offset LED. Referring to FIG. 21B, for example, thelight source 264 includes an LED 290 that is offset relative to the wall266 and that generates light 292 so as to illuminate a surface and anedge of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. That is, the light292 emitted by the LED 290 is made incident on both the inner surface270 and the inner edge 272 of the wall 266. As such, a first portion ofthe light 290 is directed through the wall 266 (width wise) to the outersurface 274 of the wall 266 where it produces the light effect 278A thatalters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266. Inaddition, a second portion of the light 290 is directed through the wall266 (length wise) to the outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where itproduces a light effect 278B that alters the visual appearance of theedge of the wall 266.

In another embodiment, the wall 266 includes light scattering particlesand the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is made incident onthe inner edge 276 via an LED. Referring to FIG. 21C, for example, thewall 266 includes a plurality of light scattering particles 294 disposedbetween the inner and outer surfaces 270, 274 and the inner and outeredges 272, 276. Furthermore, the light source 264 includes an LED 296configured to generate light 298 so as to illuminate a surface and anedge of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. The light 298emitted by the LED 296 is made incident on an inner edge 272 of the wall266. The light 298 is then directed through the wall 266 (length wise)to an outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where it produces the light effect278B that alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266.As shown, the light 298 also intersects the light scattering particle294 during transmission therethrough and thus a portion of the light 298is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions where it produces thelight effect 278A that also alters the visual appearance of the surfaceof the wall 266.

In another embodiment, the wall 266 can include a light scatteringcoating and the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is madeincident on an inner edge 272 via an LED. Referring to FIG. 21D, forexample, the wall 266 includes a light scattering coating 300 that isapplied to the inner surface 270. Furthermore, the light source 264includes an LED 302 configured to generate light 304 so as to illuminatea surface and edge of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. Thelight 304 emitted by the LED 302 is made incident on the inner edge 272of the wall 266. The light 304 is then directed through the wall 266(length wise) to an outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where it produces thelight effect 278B that alters the visual appearance of the edge of thewall 266. As shown, the light 304 also intersects the light scatteringcoating 300 during transmission through the wall and thus a portion ofthe light 304 is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions whereit produces the light effect 278A that also alters the visual appearanceof the surface of the wall 266.

FIG. 22 is a perspective diagram of a computer system 310, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputer system 310 may generally correspond to the computer 150 of FIG.12. The desktop computer system 310 generally includes an illuminablehousing 312 that is illuminated with light from an illuminated object314 disposed therein. The illuminable housing 312 generally includes atranslucent or semi-translucent wall 316 configured to allow the passageof light. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminated object 314 isseen through the translucent or semi-translucent wall 316. That is, theilluminated object 314 generates a first light effect (not shown) thatis transmitted through a surface of the wall 316 to produce a secondlight effect 320 that alters the visual appearance of the computersystem 310. As should be appreciated, the shape of the light effect 320typically corresponds to the shape of the illuminated object 314. By wayof example, the illuminated object 314 may take on a variety of shapesincluding simple shapes such as squares and circles or more complexshapes such as an apple (as shown).

To facilitate discussion, FIG. 23 is a top view, in cross section, ofthe computing device 310 shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the illuminated object 314 isdisposed inside the illuminable housing 312. The illuminated object 314is generally positioned adjacent to the wall 316 of the illuminablehousing 312. It should be noted, however, that this is not a limitationand that the illuminated object 314 may be positioned at other locationsinside the housing 312. For example, the illuminated object 314 may beplaced towards the center of the housing 312. Furthermore, theilluminated object 314 may be positioned in various directions so longas a first light effect 322 is made incident on an inner surface 324 ofthe wall 316. For example, the axis of the illuminated object may bepointing directly at the inner surface 324 or they may be pointing at anangle relative to the inner surface 324.

Furthermore, the wall 316 is configured to transmit the light effect 322therethrough from the inner surface 324 to an outer surface 326, i.e.,the wall provides a window for passing the first light effecttherethrough. By way of example, the wall 316 may be formed from atranslucent or semi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylicand the like. Accordingly, the first light effect 322 that passesthrough the wall 316 effectively changes the appearance of the computingdevice 310. In some cases, the wall 316 may also be configured toscatter the transmitted light effect to produce a characteristic glowthat emanates from the outer surface of the wall 316. That is, the wall316 may include a light directing element that scatters the light viareflection and/or refraction.

To elaborate further, the illuminated object 314 generally includes alight source 330 and a casing 332. The casing 332, which typically formsthe shape of the illuminated object 314, includes a casing wall 334 thatis configured to cover at least a portion of the light source 330. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the light source 330 consists of a pluralityof light emitting diodes 336 (LED's) that are disposed at variouspositions inside the casing 332. The LED's 336 may be a single LED or anLED array. The LED's 336 are generally configured to generate light 338so as to illuminate the casing wall 334. As such, the LED's 336 may bepositioned in various directions so long as the light 338 is madeincident on an inner surface of the casing wall 334. Furthermore, thewall 316 is configured to transmit the light 338 therethrough from theinner surface to an outer surface. By way of example, the wall 334 maybe formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such aspolycarbonate, acrylic and the like. In most cases, the casing wall 334is configured to scatter the transmitted light to produce acharacteristic glow that emanates from the outer surface of the casingwall 334. For instance, the casing wall 334 might include a lightdirecting element that scatters the light via reflection and/orrefraction.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a light source arrangement 380, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thelight source arrangement 380 may generally correspond to any of thelight sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The lightsource arrangement 380 includes a light source 382 and a light pipe 384.The light source 382 is configured to generate light 383 and the lightpipe 384 is configured to distribute the light 383 to locations within ahousing where it is needed. By way of example, the housing maycorrespond to any one of the illuminable housings described above. Thelight pipe 384 generally includes a transmissive portion 386 at itsinterior and a reflective portion 388 at its exterior. Because theexterior of the light pipe 384 is reflective, the light 383 reflects offthe sides of the pipe as it travels through the interior of the lightpipe. Accordingly, when light 383 is made incident on an inner edge 390of the light pipe it is directed through the light pipe via thetransmissive and reflective portions to an outer edge 392 of the lightpipe where it emits the light to another location positioned away fromthe location of the light source.

Any suitable light pipe may be used. For example, the light pipe may berigid or flexible (as shown). Flexible light pipes allow a wider rangeof light source positions relative to housing positions. For example,the light source may positioned in locations that prevent directexposure to an illuminable portion of the housing, and thus the lightpipe may be used to distribute the light to the illuminable portions ofthe housing by bending around components that prevent direct exposure(e.g., walls, frames and the like). In one embodiment, the light sourceis housed within an opaque portion of the housing, and a light pipe isused to direct light to an illuminable portion of the housing so as toproduce the desired light effect. Furthermore, multiple light pipes maybe used to direct light to a plurality of locations around the housing.This may be done with a single light source or multiple light sources.For example, a single light source may be used to provide light to aplurality of light pipes, each of which has one end position proximatethe light source and an opposite end positioned in different locationswithin the housing.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a light source arrangement 400, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thelight source arrangement 400 may generally correspond to any of thelight sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The lightsource arrangement 400 includes a light source 402 and a light guide404, which is configured to focus light 406 generated by the lightsource 402. The light guide 404, which covers a portion of the lightsource 402, is typically formed from an opaque material such that thelight 406 emanating from the light source 402 is only directed out of anopening 408 formed by the light guide 404. In this manner, the lightexiting the opening has a shaped configuration that is more intense. Theshaped configuration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of thehousing than would otherwise be illuminated. The opening 408 may formany number of shapes. For example, the opening may form a circle, anoval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a letter, a logo or any othershape. In this particular embodiment, the light guide 404 is configuredto cover the sides of the light source 402. In some cases, it may bedesirable to use a light guide to block light from reaching lightsensitive areas of the electronic device or to prevent heat sensitiveareas from becoming to hot.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a light source arrangement 410, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thelight source arrangement 410 may generally correspond to any of thelight sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The lightsource arrangement 410 includes a light source 412 and a lens 414, whichis configured to focus light 416 generated by the light source 412. Thelens 404, which is typically positioned between the light source 402 andthe illuminable wall (not shown), is arranged to receive light emanatingfrom the light source 402 and to direct the light to a specific area ofthe illuminable wall. In this manner, the light has a shapedconfiguration that is more intense. As mentioned above, the shapedconfiguration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of the housing thanwould otherwise be illuminated.

FIG. 27 is a top view, in cross section, of a computer system 420, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way ofexample, the computer system 420 may generally correspond to any of thecomputer systems described above. As shown, the computer system 420includes a housing 422 and a light source 424 disposed therein. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 422 consists of three parts: end cap422A, a body 422B and a front face 422C. The end cap 422A closes off oneside of the body 422B and the front face 422C closes off another side ofthe body 422B. Any suitable arrangement of light passing and lightblocking walls may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap422A and front face 422C are typically formed from a light blockingmaterial while the body 422B is formed from a material that allows thepassage of light (e.g., translucent or semi-translucent material). Thecomputer system 420 also includes a reflector 426. The reflector 426 ispositioned between the light source 424 (which is located towards theend cap 422A) and the front face 422C. In the illustrated embodiment,the reflector 426 is positioned in front of a display 428. The reflector426 is configured to redirect the light 430 generated by the lightemitting device 424. As shown, the light 430 from the light emittingdevice 424 is reflected off the surface of the reflector 426 to a firstportion 432 of the body 422B. The first portion is defined by B. Thereflected light 431 made incident on the inner surface of the body 422Bis subsequently transmitted through the wall of the body 422B and outthe outer surface of the first portion 432 of the body 422B at theportion 432. Thus, light is prevented from passing through a secondportion 434 of the body 422B.

Although the principles of FIGS. 24-27 are described singularly, itshould be noted that they may be combined in some cases to produce othertypes of light arrangements. For example, any combination of a lightpipe, light guide, light lens and/or a reflector may be used todistribute light within a housing.

FIG. 28 is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device 440,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example,the chameleonic electronic device 440 may generally correspond to thechameleonic electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1. The chameleonicelectronic device 440 generally includes a housing 442 that is dividedinto several independent and spatially distinct illuminable zones 444.As shown, the zones 444 are positioned around the periphery of thehousing 442. The periphery may correspond to any portion of the housingsuch as the top, bottom, and sides of the housing. Any number of zonesmay be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 442 includes 12illuminable zones 444. Each of the zones 444 has an associated lightelement 446, which is disposed inside the housing 442 proximate the zone444. As should be appreciated, the associated light element 446 isconfigured to light up its corresponding zone 444 so as to change theornamental appearance of the housing. By way of example, the associatedlight element may be an LED array capable of illuminating thecorresponding zone with a plurality of colors (e.g., the LED array mayinclude a red, green and blue LED). As shown, each of the zones 444 isconfigured to provide a light output 448.

The zones may be configured to produce a variety of ornamentalappearances. In one embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce auniform ornamental appearance. This is generally accomplished by sendingthe same light command signal to each of the light elements. Forexample, each of the zones may produce the same green light output so asto produce a uniform green housing. In another embodiment, the zones arearranged to produce a patterned ornamental appearance. This is generallyaccomplished by sending different light command signals to the lightelements. For example, a first set of alternating zones may produce ared light output, and a second set of alternating zones may produce ablue light output in order to produce a housing with stripes. In anotherembodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a changing ornamentalappearance. This is generally accomplished by sending different lightcommand signals to the light elements at different times. For example,each of the zones may be arranged to activate at different times toproduce a light sequence such as blinking, fading in and out, strobes ormoving from one zone to another.

FIG. 29 is a broken away diagram of a general purpose computer 450, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The generalpurpose computer 450 includes a housing 452 which encloses internalcomponents 454 associated with operating the general purpose computer450. The housing 452, which includes several walls that define theperipheral form of the housing, is broken away between a top and abottom so as to show the internal components therein. As shown, theinternal components 454 may include a motherboard 456 that supports aCPU 458, RAM 460, ROM 462, a hard drive 464, a disk drive 466, expansionslots and boards 468, and the like. The internal components 454 may alsoinclude a power supply 470 and other associated circuitry such as heatsinks 472 and fans 474 for cooling the internal components 454. Thehousing 452 may also include a plurality of ports 476 for connection toperipheral devices located outside the housing 452. In addition, thehousing 452 may include an indicator 477 and a power switch 478. In somecases, a monitor may be one of the internal components 454.

The internal components 454 may also include one or more light emittingdiodes (LED's) 480. The LED's 480 are generally configured to generatelight within the housing 452. By way of example, the LED's 480 maygenerate light found within the color spectrum. The light is used tocolorize or patternize the housing 452. This is generally accomplishedby directing the light through illuminable portions of the housing 452.That is, the LED's 480 produce light having a variety or colors andpatterns so as to give the illuminable portions of the housing 452 acolor or pattern. In one embodiment, the illuminable portions arecapable of diffusing the light so that the illuminable portions appearto glow when light is directed therethrough. The LED's 480 may bedisposed centrally, peripherally or both so as to allow the light toreach the illuminable portions of the housing 452. For example, althoughthe LED's 480 are centrally located in FIG. 29, the LED's 480 may bedisposed closer to the walls of the housing 452 so as to circumventlight blocking components contained within the housing 452. The LED's480 may be controlled by a separate processor or by the CPU 458 thatalso controls the operation of the general purpose computer.

The size of the illuminable portion generally constitutes a substantialportion of the entire housing 452. By substantial, it is meant that thearea of the illuminable portion is large enough to effect the overallappearance of the general purpose computer 450 when light is passedtherein. In essence, the LED's are dedicated to altering the appearanceof the housing 452 so that people may break free from theneutral-passive colors and patterns that have dominated the housings ofgeneral purpose computers for so long. In one embodiment, theilluminable portion covers the entire housing 452. In anotherembodiment, the illuminable portion covers one or more walls of thehousing 452 (in their entirety). In another embodiment, the illuminableportion covers a part of two or more walls of the housing 452. Inanother embodiment, the illuminable portion covers a significant part ofa wall of the housing 452. In another embodiment, the area of theilluminable portion is substantially larger than any of the switches,connectors or indicators located on the housing 452. These type ofdevices are typically too small to effect the overall appearance of thegeneral purpose computer. That is, they typically do not cover asignificant part of the wall to which they are attached.

Although FIG. 29 is directed at a general purpose computer, it should beappreciated that LED's may be placed in other devices associated withthe general purpose computer. For example, LED's may be placed inhousings of peripheral devices such as input devices (e.g., mice) oroutput devices (e.g., speakers) that are connected to the generalpurpose computer. In the case of input devices, the input devices arearranged to serve its primary function of inputting data whilecommunicating other data via the LED's. In the case of output devices,the output devices are arranged to serve their primary function ofoutputting data while communicating other data via the LED's. In eithercase, the LED's may be controlled by the main CPU of the general purposecomputer or a separate processor of the general purpose computer.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a computer system 481, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. This particular embodiment issimilar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. For example, the computersystem 481 includes a plurality of the light elements 74A-D. In theillustrated embodiment each of the light elements 74A-D has their ownindividual housing 182A-D. Each of the housings 482A-D includes one ormore light passing walls. In one embodiment, each of the housings 482A-Dcorresponds to different components of the computer system 481. Forexample, housing 482A may be used to house the base components such asprocessors, controllers, memory, internal I/O devices and/or the like;housing 482B may be used to house monitor components such as a displayscreen; housing 482C may be used to house external peripheral I/Odevices such as disk drives, printers, mice, keyboards, speakers and thelike; and housing 482D may be used to house a docking station in thecase of a portable computer.

FIG. 31 is a perspective diagram of a computer system 500, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, thecomputer system 500 may correspond to the computer system described inFIG. 30. The computer system 500 includes a base 502 operatively coupledto a plurality of peripheral devices such as a monitor 504, a keyboard506, a mouse 508, a speaker 510, an external disk drive 512 and aprinter 514. Each of these components is configured with an illuminablehousing, i.e., a housing having at least one light passing wall, and alight source disposed therein. As stated throughout this document, thelight source is configured to generate light for passing through thelight passing wall so as to alter the ornamental appearance of the lightpassing wall.

A light effect manager, such as the light effect manager 70 illustratedin FIG. 30, can be used to control and coordinate the ornamentalappearance of the various illuminable housings. The control andcoordination of the ornamental appearance of the various illuminablehousings can be achieved in many different ways.

In one embodiment, the light source(s) inside the base and the lightsource(s) inside the peripheral device are configured to actuate whenthe base is in communication with or processing tasks associated withthe peripheral device. For example, when the base sends a signal to theprinter, as for example a signal to print a document, the base and theprinter may exude a light effect associated with printing. In addition,when the external disk drive sends data to the base, the external diskdrive and base may exude a light effect associated with data retrieval.Moreover, when the base is playing music through the speaker, the baseand the speaker may exude a light effect associated with outputtingaudio. In the case of audio, the light effect may correspond to thefrequency of the audio signal so as to produce a light effect thatchanges with the music or sounds being played. The light effect may bedifferent for different devices. For example, the base may be blue whencommunicating with the monitor and green when communicating with theprinter.

FIG. 32 is a simplified diagram of a computer network 520, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The computer network 520includes a plurality of computer systems 522A-522C which are connectedvia a network 524. By way of example, the network may represent a LocalArea Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet and the like, or acombination thereof. The network 524 can also be wired or wireless. Thecomputers 522A-522C may, for example, be configured as any of thecomputers systems discussed above. As should be appreciated, each of thecomputer systems 522A-522C includes an illuminable housing capable ofaltering its ornamental appearance via light.

The computer system 522A-522C can individually alter their ornamentalappearance. Alternatively, the computer systems 522A-222C can have theirornamental appearance centrally controlled. The central control can beprovided by one of the computer systems 522A-522C or another computer.In one embodiment, the light source(s) inside each of the computersystems 522A-522C are configured to actuate when such computer systems522A-522C are in communication with or processing tasks associated withanother of the computer system 522A-522C. For example, when the computersystem 522A sends or requests information to or from computer system522B, both systems may exude a specific light effect. In oneimplementation, a master light effect manager residing in one of thecomputer systems 522A-522C provides central control over the ornamentalappearance of the computer systems 522A-522C through interaction withslave light effect managers residing in other of the computer systems522A-522C.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of illumination processing 600, in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention. The illumination processing600 is, for example, performed by a computing device or system thatincludes a display screen. The computing device or system that performsthe illumination processing 600 can, for example, be the computingdevice or system shown in FIGS. 4-12.

The illumination processing 600 begins at step 602 by periodicallysampling regions of a display screen so as to acquire color indicatorsfor each of the regions. After acquiring the color indicators, theprocess proceeds to step 604 where the color indicators are associatedto zones (regions) of a housing corresponding to the computing device orsystem. For example, the housing can pertain to the primary housing forenclosing a base computer, a screen display, or a peripheral device. Inone embodiment, step 604 pertains to a mapping operation during whichthe regions of the screen display that were sampled in step 602 aremapped to counterpart zones of the housing.

After associating the color indicators to the zones, the processproceeds to step 606 where light elements are driven in accordance withthe color indicators associated therewith. These light elements arelocated at the zones of the housing. The driven light elements operateto illuminate the zones of the housing. Following step 606, theillumination processing 600 is complete and ends. However, theillumination processing 600 is typically performed constantly orperiodically such that the light elements can be driven 606 inaccordance with the color indicators acquired from the screen display.

In one embodiment, the illumination processing 600 mimics the colorsappearing at the regions of the screen display to zones of the housing.In one example, the regions of the screen display can be associated witha color configuration, and the regions of the housing can be providedwith the same configuration. This is generally done to extend the feelof the display screen to the housing. For example, if the regions of thedisplay screen are blue, then the counterpart zones of the housing arealso blue. In addition, if different regions of the display screen aredifferent colors, then different zones of the housing are also differentcolors.

FIG. 34 is a perspective diagram of a display monitor 620, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The display monitor 620includes a housing 622 that is divided into several independent andspatially distinct illuminable zones 624. Any number of zones may beused. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 622 includes 16illuminable zones 624. Each of the zones 624 has an associated lightelement (not shown), which is disposed inside the housing proximate thezone. As should be appreciated, the associated light element isconfigured to light up its corresponding zone. By way of example, theassociated light element may be an LED array capable of illuminating thecorresponding zone with a plurality of colors (e.g., the LED array mayinclude a red, green and blue LED). In the illustrated embodiment, thezones 624 are positioned around the periphery of the housing 622, andinclude portions that are on the front of the monitor 620, as well asportions that are on the side of the monitor 620. It should be noted,however, that this is not a limitation and that the zones may beconfigured differently relative to the monitor 620. For example, thezones may be positioned in the rear, or only on one side of the monitor620.

As shown, the housing 622 is configured to structurally support adisplay screen 626 in its assembled position within the housing 622. Theportion of the display screen 626 that is viewed by the user ispositioned in the front of the monitor 320 behind an opening in thehousing 622 as shown. As previously mentioned, the display screen 626 isconfigured to present text and graphics to the user. For example, thedisplay screen may present text and graphics associated with applicationor operating system programs. During illumination processing, as forexample illumination processing 600, regions 628 of the display screen626 are periodically sampled to acquire color indicators. In oneembodiment, the color indicators represent the primary color that isbeing displayed in the region (e.g., several colors may be displayed ina region). For example, if the region is generally seen as blue then thecolor indicator is blue. The color indicators are used to drive thelight elements of the zones 624 as described above. The regions 628 maybe any suitable area inside the display screen. In the illustratedembodiment, the regions 628 are disposed about the outer periphery ofthe display screen 626.

In one embodiment, the regions 628 of the display screen 626 are mappedto counterpart zones 624 of the housing 622. As such, when regions ofthe display screen change so do the counterpart zones. In theillustrated embodiment, there is a sample region 628 for every zone 624.The sample region 628 may correspond to any suitable zone 624. In theillustrated embodiment, however, individual sample regions correspond toindividual zones positioned nearest the location of the individualsample region. For example, sample region 628′ corresponds to zone 624′.Accordingly, when sample region 628′ changes from a first color to asecond color, the counterpart zone 624′ changes from the first color tothe second color.

In one embodiment, an event monitor such as any one of the eventmonitors described above is used to sample various locations of thedisplay screen 626. The event monitor alerts a light effect manager whena certain graphic is displayed. As such, the light manager can send acontrol signal to a light element to dynamically adjust one or more ofthe zones in accordance with sample. By way of example, and referring toFIG. 35, when the sample region 628′ changes, an event monitor sendsevent information to a light effect manager, and the light effectmanager sends a corresponding control signal to the light element housedbeneath zone 624′ commanding the light element to light up (i.e., thelight element illuminates the zone 624′ with light), thereby changingthe zone 624′ along with the sample region 628′. For example, if thesample region 628′ changes to blue, then the zone 624′ will also changeto blue. It should be noted that changing to the same color is not alimitation and that the zone may be configured to change to colors otherthan the color of the sample region. In one embodiment, the light effectmanager is configured to consult an illumination table containingillumination characteristics before sending the control signal to thelight source.

By way of another example, FIG. 36 is a perspective diagram of thedisplay monitor 620 presenting a first window 640 and a second window642 over a wallpaper backdrop 644 on the display screen 626. In thisconfiguration, some of the sampled regions 628 correspond to the colorsof the first window 640, some of the sampled regions 628 correspond tothe colors of the second window 642 and the remaining sampled regionscorrespond to the colors of the wallpaper backdrop 644. In theillustrated embodiment, the individual zones 624 associated with thedifferent sampled regions 628 are configured to output a similar color.For example, sampled regions 628A-E and zones 624A-E located nearsampled regions 628A-E may output a first color such as green, sampledregions 628I-L and zones 624I-L located near sampled regions 628I-L mayoutput a second color such as white, and sampled regions 628F-G&M-P andzones 624F-G&M-P located near sampled regions 628F-G&M-P may output athird color such as blue.

By way of another example, FIGS. 37A-37F are perspective diagrams of thedisplay monitor 620 of FIG. 36 presenting a video or gaming sequence650. By way of example, the video may correspond to a movie being playedon a DVD drive or a game being played on a CD drive. In the illustratedembodiments, the sequence 650 corresponds to a spaceship 652 thatencounters an asteroid 654 in space 656. This is by way of example andnot by way of limitation.

FIG. 37A shows a first sequence where the asteroid 654 and spaceship 652enter the display screen 626 from opposing sides. As such, sampledregion 628A includes the asteroid 654, sampled region 628H includes thespaceship 652 and the remaining sampled regions 628B-628G and 628I-628Pinclude space 656 therein. As a result, the associated zone 624A exudesa light effect similar to the asteroid 654, the associated zone 624Hexudes a light effect similar to the spaceship 652 and the associatedzones 624B-624G and 624I-624P exude a light effect similar to space 656.For example, zone 624A may be brown to correspond to a brown asteroid,zone 624H may be orange to correspond to an orange spaceship, and zones624B-624G and 624I-624P may be blue to correspond to blue space.

FIG. 37B shows a second sequence where the asteroid 654 and space ship652 move closer together and away from their respective sides. As such,sample regions 628A-628G and 628I-628P now include space 656 and sampleregion 628H now includes exhaust 658 from the space ship 652. As aresult, zones 624A-624G and 624I-624P now exude a light effect similarto space 656 and the associated zone 624H now exudes a light effectsimilar to the exhaust 658. By way of example, zones 624A-624G and624I-624P may be blue to correspond to blue space and zone 624H may beyellow to correspond to the yellow exhaust.

FIGS. 37C and 37D show a third and fourth sequence where the spaceship652 fires bullets 659 at the asteroid 654 so as to split the asteroid654 into two smaller asteroids 660 and 662. The third and fourthsequence also show the spaceship 652 continuing to move towards theasteroid 654, and the two smaller asteroids 660, 662 moving away fromthe spaceship 652 after splitting. As such, all the sample regions628A-628P now include space 656. As a result, zones 624A-624P now exudea light effect similar to space 656. For example, zones 624A-624P may beblue to correspond to blue space.

FIG. 37E shows a fifth sequence where the spaceship 652 continues tomove towards the asteroids 660, 662, and the asteroids 660, 662 continueto move away from the spaceship 652 at an angle. As such, sample region628O now includes the first asteroid 660, sample region 628B nowincludes the second asteroid 662, sample region 628A now includes thespaceship 652 and sample regions 628C-628N and 628P now include space656. As a result, the associated zone 624O exudes a light effect similarto the first asteroid 660, associated zone 624B exudes a light effectsimilar to the second asteroid 662, the associated zone 624A exudes alight effect similar to the spaceship 652, and the remaining zones624C-624N and 624P exude a light effect similar to space 656. Forexample, zones 624O and 624B may be brown to correspond to a brownasteroid, zone 624A may be orange to correspond to an orange spaceship,and zones 624C-624N and 624P may be blue to correspond to blue space.

FIG. 37F shows a sixth sequence where the asteroids 660, 662 and thespaceship 652 have exited the side of the display screen 626. As such,sample region 628A now includes the exhaust 658 of the spaceship 652 andsample regions 628B-628P now include space 656. As a result, theassociated zone 624A now exudes a light effect similar to the exhaust658, and the remaining zones 624B-624P exude a light effect similar tospace 656. For example, zone 624A may be yellow to correspond to yellowexhaust, and zones 624B-624P may be blue to correspond to blue space.

By way of another example, FIGS. 38A and 38B are simplified diagrams ofa display monitor 680 presenting two segments 682A and 682B of aprogrammed sequence 682. Display monitor 680 is similar to displaymonitor 620 of FIG. 36, and as such, the display monitor 680 includes aplurality of illuminable zones 684. In the illustrated embodiment, theprogrammed sequence 682 corresponds to a computer program that allowsusers of the computer system to visualize their music. The computerprogram is arranged to display a stunning light show (e.g., differentcolors or patterns) on the display screen of the display monitor 680that changes, throbs, and pulses to the beat of the user's music. Forexample, the computer program may adjust its color and patterns relativeto the frequency of the music being played in the computer system. Themusic may be imported from a CD or DVD player, MP3 player, internet, orit may be stored in the computer system itself. By way of example, thecomputer program may correspond to the computer program iTunes producedby Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif.

The programmed sequence 682 may take on many forms. In the illustratedembodiment, the programmed sequence 682 is a multicolored graphicaldisplay that includes a plurality of patterns 686 and 688 that movethrough a wall paper back drop 690. The plurality of patterns 686 and688 may follow a random or predetermined route. FIG. 38A illustrates thepatterns 686 and 688 in a first position, and FIG. 68B illustrates thepatterns 686 and 688 in a second position along the route. Thesepositions may or may not be consecutive. In this embodiment, theplurality of patterns 686 and 688 represent frequency distributionshaving peaks 692 and troughs 694. The patterns 686 and 688 may adjusttheir configuration as they move through the wall paper backdrop 690.For example, the peaks and troughs 692 and 694 may change their periodand amplitude or they may change their color (e.g., 686). The frequencydistributions may be based on the frequencies of the music being playedon the computer system or they may be predetermined.

Similarly to FIGS. 34-37, regions of the display screen are mapped tocounterpart illuminable zones 684. As such, when regions of the displayscreen change so do the counterpart zones. As mentioned, there isgenerally a sample region for every illuminable zone 684. The sampleregion may correspond to any suitable zone 684, however, they typicallycorrespond to individual zones positioned nearest the location of theindividual sample region. As shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the peaks andtroughs 692 and 694 move into and exit different regions of the displayscreen as they change their configuration and position. As such, theilluminable zones 684 are continuously changing so as to produce a lighteffect that corresponds to the changing regions. For example, in FIG.38A, the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone684′ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of thetrough 694′ of pattern 688, and in FIG. 38B, the configuration (e.g.color, intensity) of the illuminable zone 684′ corresponds to theconfiguration (e.g. color, intensity) of a peak 692′ of the pattern 686.In addition, in FIG. 38A, the configuration of the illuminable zone 684″corresponds to the configuration of a peak 692″ of the pattern 686, andin FIG. 38B, the configuration of the illuminable zone 684″ correspondsto the configuration of the wall paper backdrop 690.

By way of another example, FIGS. 39A and 39B are simplified diagrams ofthe display monitor 680 presenting two segments 700A and 700B of aprogrammed sequence 700. Like the programmed sequence 682, theprogrammed sequence 400 corresponds to a computer program that allowsusers of the computer system to visualize their music. The programmedsequence 700 may take on many forms. In the illustrated embodiment, theprogrammed sequence 700 is a graphical display that includes a pluralityof pulsating distributions 702A-I that move through a wall paper backdrop 704. The pulsating distributions 702A-I are generally configured toact like an equalizer and thus they change (move up and down) inaccordance with the frequency of the music being played in the computersystem. FIG. 39A illustrates the pulsating distributions 702A-I in afirst position, and FIG. 39B illustrates the pulsating distributions702A-I in a second position.

Similarly to FIGS. 34-38, regions of the display screen are mapped tocounterpart illuminable zones 684. As such, when regions of the displayscreen change so do the counterpart zones. As mentioned, there isgenerally a sample region for every illuminable zone 684. The sampleregion may correspond to any suitable zone 684, however, they typicallycorrespond to individual zones positioned nearest the location of theindividual sample region. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the pulsatingdistributions 702A-I move into and exit different regions of the displayscreen as they change their configuration and position. As such, theilluminable zones 684 are continuously changing so as to produce a lighteffect that corresponds to the changing regions. For example, in FIG.39A, the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone684″ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of thepulsating distribution 702F, and in FIG. 39B, the configuration (e.g.color, intensity) of the illuminable zone 684″ corresponds to theconfiguration (e.g. color, intensity) of the wall paper backdrop 690.

It should be noted that a methodology similar to methodology shown inFIGS. 38 and 39 may also be used to change the zones in accordance withthe music itself rather than with the visual output of the displayscreen.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A method for illuminating a housing of a general purpose computersystem, said method comprising: providing a housing for enclosing adevice of the general purpose computer system, the housing beingseparated into a plurality of independent illuminable zones, the housingalso enclosing a plurality of light elements each of which is positionedproximate to an associated illuminable zone and arranged to transmitlight through the housing and illuminate substantially only theassociated illuminable zone; monitoring events associated with thecomputer system, wherein at least one of said monitored events includesproviding a display on a display screen of the computer system, whereinthe display may include a moving image, said display screen beingproximate to the housing; sampling a plurality of regions of the displayon the display screen to acquire color indicators for the plurality ofregions; associating particular events with corresponding particularilluminable zones; determining driving signals for the light elements inaccordance with the monitored events, wherein one or more of the drivingsignals is determined based on the color indicators of one or moresampled regions of the display on the display screen; and controllingthe light elements using the driving signals such that each lightelement illuminates an associated particular illuminable zone of thehousing proximate to a sampled region in order to significantly affectthe ornamental appearance of the illuminable zone of the housing suchthat the feel of the display on the display screen is extended to theilluminable zone of the housing proximate to the screen display byilluminating an associated particular illuminable zone such that itexudes a light effect similar to the moving image of the display as theimage moves into the associated sampled region proximate to theassociated illuminable zone.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, whereinthe light elements are LEDs of various colors and thus the surfaceappearance of the housing can be multi-colored.
 3. A method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the computer system events are chosen from the groupconsisting of: processor mode, processor status, data being processed,displayed information, I/O device status, I/O device mode, and programstatus.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer systemevents are chosen from the group consisting of: removable mediuminsertion, network connectivity, computer system start-up and computersystem shut-down.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thecomputer system includes a microprocessor that operates in one of aplurality of states, and wherein the computer system events comprise thestates of the microprocessor which are chosen from the group consistingof: on, sleep or off.
 6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thecomputer system includes a microprocessor that can recognize a pluralityof different program status events, and wherein the computer systemevents comprise the program status events which are chosen from thegroup consisting of: program error, new electronic mail, awaiting input,and loading program.
 7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thegeneral purpose computer system is a desktop computer system.
 8. Amethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the LEDs associated with each ofthe light elements comprise a plurality of LEDs having a variety ofdifferent colors.
 9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein thepredetermined configuration information is provided by user-adjustablesettings.
 10. A computer system, comprising: a housing for enclosing acomponent of the computer system, the housing being separated into aplurality of independent illuminable zones; an event monitor configuredto track computer events associated with said computer system, whereinat least one of said tracked events includes a providing a display on adisplay screen of the computer system, wherein the display may include amoving image, said display screen being proximate to the housing, andwherein said event monitor is further configured to sample a pluralityof regions of the display on the display screen to acquire colorindicators for the plurality of regions; a light effect manageroperatively coupled to said event monitor, said light effect managerbeing configured to generate light control signals when said computerevents are executed by said computer system, said light effect managerbeing further configured to associate particular events with associatedparticular illuminable zones, wherein one or more of the light controlsignals is determined based on the color indicators of one or moresampled regions of the display on the display screen; and a lightarrangement operatively coupled to said light effect manager andenclosed by said housing, said light arrangement including a pluralityof light elements, each light element being positioned proximate to anassociated illuminable zone and arranged to transmit light through thehousing and to illuminate the associated illuminable zone proximate to asampled region, said light arrangement being configured to work inconjunction with said light effect manager to dynamically change theornamental appearance of the illuminable zone of said housing such thatthe feel of the display on the display screen is extended to theilluminable zone of the housing proximate to the screen display byilluminating an associated illuminable zone such that it exudes a lighteffect similar to the moving image of the display as the image movesinto the associated sampled region proximate to the associatedilluminable zone.
 11. A computer system as recited in claim 10, whereinsaid computer component is one of a processor or controller.
 12. Acomputer system as recited in claim 10, wherein said computer componentis one of an operating system, utility program or application program.13. A computer system as recited in claim 10, wherein said computerevent is one of input data or output data.
 14. A computer system asrecited in claim 10, wherein said light control signal carriesillumination characteristics pertaining to the desired light effect thatsaid light arrangement is to provide to said illuminable zone of saidilluminable housing.
 15. A computer system as recited in claim 10,wherein the illumination significantly alters the surface appearance ofthe housing such that a portion of the housing itself associated withthe illuminable zone and not the light element provides visualindication of the computer event.
 16. A computer system as recited inclaim 10, wherein the light illuminates an inner surface of the housingto effect an appearance change at an outer surface of the housing.
 17. Acomputer system as recited in claim 10, where the housing is capable ofchanging between multiple colors or patterns.
 18. A computer system asrecited in claim 17, wherein the multiple colors are selected from thecolor spectrum.
 19. A computer system as recited in claim 17, whereinthe multiple colors that are available are similar to the colorsavailable to a screen display.
 20. A computer system as recited in claim10, wherein the light elements are LEDs.
 21. A computer system asrecited in claim 20, wherein each light element includes a plurality ofLEDs.
 22. A computer system as recited in claim 21, wherein the LEDsassociated with a particular light element have a variety of differentcolors.
 23. A computer system, comprising: a housing adapted to enclosea plurality of computer system components therein, the housing includinga plurality of independent illuminable zones; a display screen situatedproximate to said housing, the display screen being configured toprovide a display that may include a moving image; a sampling deviceoperatively coupled to the display screen and adapted to sample aplurality of regions of the display provided on the display screen toacquire color indicators for the plurality of regions; a light effectmanager operatively coupled to said sampling device, said light effectmanager being configured to generate light control signals based on thecolor indicators of one or more sampled regions of the display on thedisplay screen; and a light arrangement operatively coupled to saidlight effect manager and enclosed by said housing, said lightarrangement including a plurality of light elements configured totransmit light through the housing, each light element positionedproximate to an associated illuminable zone and said light arrangementbeing configured to work in conjunction with said light effect managerto illuminate a particular area of said illuminable housing proximate toa sampled region so as to dynamically change the ornamental appearanceof said housing based on the color indicators of the one or more sampledregions, such that the feel of the display on the display screen isextended to the illuminable zone of the housing proximate to the screendisplay by illuminating an associated illuminable zone such that itexudes a light effect similar to the moving image of the display as theimage moves into the sampled region proximate to the associatedilluminable zone.